Capital Lawyering Concentration Requirements & Curriculum

Capital Lawyering students must complete a minimum of 14 units approved by the Concentration Director, with at least six (6) units being from elective courses. Interested students should submit an application early in law school, and meet with the Concentration Director to develop a course plan to best prepare for their specific Capital Lawyering career objectives.

Required Courses

Introduction to Capital Lawyering — two (2) units This course introduces students to the lawyer's role in developing, modifying, implementing, advocating, and influencing public policy, including: legislation, regulations, executive orders, court orders, and other policy edicts. While primary focus is devoted to the lawyer's role in the context of California state government, the course touches upon the full array of policymaking venues and processes, including: Congress, the California Legislature, state (CA) or federal agencies, California's initiative process, the California or federal courts, and agencies of local government.

1 Evening students with day jobs that meet the requirements of the externship may receive a waiver of this requirement.2 Students must take Lawmaking in California prior to, or concurrent with, the Clinic.

General Electives

Administrative Law — three (3) units This course is strongly recommended for all Capital Lawyering students. Capital Lawyering students interested in federal, state or local law must understand how agencies function, and often will need this knowledge to function effectively in an externship.

California Initiative Seminar — two (2) unitsThis course is offered only when there is a California election with initiatives on the ballot.

Election Law — two (2) unitsThis course offers a mix of federal and state election law, and is strongly recommended for students who work at the California Fair Political Practices Commission, or law firms or nonprofits dealing with elections and compliance with ethics regulations.

State Government — three (e) units (offered in the Fall)Public Policy Course 284

Local Law

Land Use Planning — two (2) units (offered in the Fall)Land use planning is a core function of local government. This course is highly recommended for students who want to work in city, county or special district entities.

Local Agency Practice — two (2) unitsThis course and Representing Local Agencies offer students basic introduction to the substance and skills of local government practice. Taking one of these courses is highly recommended for students interested in local government practice, and students may take both

Local Government — three (3) units (offered in the Fall)Public Policy Course 285

Representing Local Agencies — one (1) unitThis course and Local Agency Practice offer students basic introduction to the substance and skills of local government practice. Taking one of these courses is highly recommended for students interested in local government practice, and students may take both.

Federal Law

Statutes and Regulations, Administrative Law, Legislation and Statutory Interpretation and Election Law focus primarily on federal law, and prepare students for Capital Lawyering field placements and careers in federal agencies or at law firms in practices that involve advocating to agencies and counseling clients about compliance with statutes and regulations, and offering advice about statutory and regulatory changes. Students can create a strong resume by combining Capital Lawyering courses with subject-specific courses (e.g., business, environment, employment, health), which will prepare them to practice in specialty areas. Students may apply to participate in McGeorge's D.C. Fellowship, which places students in summer internships in government agencies in the nation's capital.

Non-Course Requirements

Capital Lawyering I, II, IIICapital Lawyering students participate in a sequence of activities on campus and in the capital designed to introduce and prepare students to practice in the range of Capital Lawyering careers.